The Nansemond River field hockey team scored a crucial win against SED opponent Grassfield High School, winning 2-1, on Wednesday at Nansemond River. The game was what Lady Warrior coach Darryl Yandle called a “must win” because the team was coming off of two consecutive losses.

The Lady Warriors showed determination against a tough, tightly-packed Grizzly defense. Lauren Daubenspeck accounted for both Lady Warrior goals, the first coming midway through the first half off a penalty corner, assisted by Brittany Frame.

“Pretty good, if I didn’t have a good cross pass from Brittany Frame I wouldn’t have scored,” said Daubenspeck.

It was a game of tough defense, and scarce scoring opportunities. Lady Warrior keeper Stephanie Tarafas played an excellent game with five saves, and allowing just one goal. The Grizzly goal led to a 1-1 tie at the end of the first 30 minutes.

The Warriors soon took the lead for good early in the second half with another goal by Daubenspeck, assisted by Frame. A missed penalty stroke by Hannah Meinertzhagen kept the NR from putting the game away. Nansemond River was pinned deep in its own end the last two minutes of the game, but potent defense kept the Grizzlies from sending the game into overtime.

Afterwards, Yandle said, “Grassfield played hard, I think we were more skilled but their quick step and aggressiveness cancelled out our skill.”

The Lady Warriors (5-2-1, 4-1-1) are hosting the Nansemond River Invitational on Saturday. NR plays its first game at 9 a.m.